Gun vault with retractable handle

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides for a gun vault that can safely transfer a firearm within the public area that is easy to carry and can secure easily and quickly to various surfaces or objects. The gun vault comprises a first component, illustrated as a gun vault top half connected to a second component, illustrated herein as a gun vault bottom half, which when coupled together provides an interior constructed and arranged to store internal functional hardware as well as one or more firearms, such as a handgun and magazine clip. The gun vault further includes a removable and variably positionable handle, which allows for the gun vault to be secured to objects or surfaces, such as a seat of a car or some type of fixed pole, quickly and easily. To prevent unauthorized access, the gun vault may further include a locking assembly.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

In accordance with 37 C.F.R 1.76, a claim of priority is included in an Application Data Sheet filed concurrently herewith. Accordingly, the present invention claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), 120, 121, and/or 365(c) as a continuation-in-part to U.S. Patent Application No. 61/863,131, filed Aug. 7, 2013, entitled, “GUN VAULT WITH RETRACTABLE HANDLE”, the contents of the above referenced application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a firearm storage device; and more particularly, to a firearm vault having a retractable handle for storing and securing a gun therein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The manufacturing, distribution, and purchasing of firearms remain popular in the United States. Although it may be impossible to determine the actual number of guns purchased, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reported that it recorded more than 16.8 million background checks for gun purchases in 2012. This number does not account for firearms previously obtained or for firearms owned by law enforcement or military individuals. While the distribution and selling of firearms has provided controversy, many individuals who own firearms seek to use them responsibly. As such, firearm safety is a paramount concern among firearm owners and gun enthusiasts. As a result of this concern, numerous safety mechanisms, such as gun vaults, exist in the market. Typical firearm vaults on the market today are designed to lock away firearms from theft and accidental discharge. For example, a safe can easily weigh several hundred pounds, making the safe immovable for a thief. However, these large safes are not practical for safely moving a gun in the public. For example, when travelling within the airport, individuals owning guns, and even some public safety officers, are required to safely store their guns once they pass the security gates. Moreover, individuals often store their guns in the glove compartments when travelling in a car. Such action may be unsafe and can result in theft of the gun should someone break into the automobile.

Therefore, what is needed in the art is a gun vault that can be used to safely transfer a firearm within the public area that is easy to carry and can secure easily and quickly to various surfaces or objects.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides for a gun vault that can safely transfer a firearm within the public area that is easy to carry and can secure easily and quickly to various surfaces or objects. The gun vault comprises a first component, illustrated as a gun vault top half 12 connected to a second component, illustrated herein as a gun vault bottom half 14 which, when coupled together, provides an interior 16 constructed and arranged to store internal functional hardware as well as one or more firearms such as a handgun and magazine clip. The gun vault further includes a removable and variably positionable handle, which allows for the gun vault to be secured to objects or surfaces, such as a seat of a car or some type of fixed pole, quickly and easily. To prevent unauthorized access, the gun vault may further include a locking assembly.

Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to teach a device, system and method for firearm storage.

It is a further objective of the instant invention to teach a device for securing a firearm.

It is yet another objective of the instant invention to teach a safe and secure handgun vault apparatus for a loaded handgun.

It is a further objective of the instant invention to teach an easy to carry handgun vault apparatus for a loaded handgun, which has a removable handle.

It is a still further objective of the invention to teach an easy to carry handgun vault apparatus for a loaded handgun, which has a variably positionable handle that can easily and quickly be secured to various surfaces or objects.

Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the gun vault with an adjustable handle shown in the closed position;

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the gun vault with an adjustable handle shown in the closed position, illustrating the adjustable handle in a retracted position;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the gun vault with an adjustable handle shown in the closed position with the handle partially extended;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the gun vault with an adjustable handle shown in the open position;

FIG. 5 is a back perspective view of the gun vault with an adjustable handle shown in the open position;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the gun vault with an adjustable handle, illustrating the handle in a retracted position;

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the gun vault with an adjustable handle;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the gun vault with an adjustable handle, illustrating the handle in a retracted position;

FIG. 9 is a partial exploded view of the gun vault with an adjustable handle;

FIG. 10 is a partial front perspective view of the bottom portion of the gun vault;

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the gun vault, illustrated with the handle removed;

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the bottom portion of the gun vault with portions of a handle inserted therein, illustrated with the locking assembly removed for clarity;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the gun vault in an open position showing the handle locking assembly and the gun vault locking assembly without its respective cover;

FIG. 14 is a partially exploded perspective view of the gun vault having an alternative embodiment of a locking assembly;

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a hinge plate support structure;

FIG. 15B is a perspective view of an illustrative example of a hinge plate with bar;

FIG. 16 is an illustrative example of a left bottom half extension member;

FIG. 17 is an illustrative example of a right bottom half extension member;

FIG. 18 is an illustrative example of a removable and positionable handle;

FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of an illustrative example of an elongated handle bracket;

FIG. 20 is a bottom perspective view of an illustrative example of the elongated handle bracket;

FIG. 21 is an illustrative example of a spring pin assembly cover;

FIG. 22 is an illustrative example of a lock assembly;

FIG. 23 is an illustrative example of a lock assembly cam;

FIG. 24 is an illustrative example of a slide of a lock assembly;

FIG. 25 is an illustrative example of a locking assembly receiving bracket;

FIG. 26 is an illustrative example of a guide bracket of a lock assembly;

FIG. 27 is an illustrative example of a lock assembly cover;

FIG. 28 is an illustrative example of an insert;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of an alternative and partially flexible handle construction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

The present invention provides a portable system and method for firearm storage, and more particularly a safe and secure handgun vault apparatus for a loaded or unloaded handgun that allows an authorized user to safely and securely transfer or store a gun in different locations. Referring to FIGS. 1-7, a firearm storage device, referred to generally as a gun vault with adjustable handle 10, is shown. The gun vault with adjustable handle 10 will be shown and described for use with a handgun; however, the gun vault with adjustable handle 10 may be adapted to be used to transport and store other items without departing from the scope of the invention.

The gun vault with adjustable handle 10 contains a first component, illustrated as a gun vault top half 12 connected to a second component, illustrated herein as a gun vault bottom half 14, which when coupled together provides an interior 16 constructed and arranged to store internal functional hardware as well as one or more firearms such as a handgun and magazine clip. Preferably the gun vault top half 12 and the gun vault bottom half 14 are hingedly coupled together via a hinge assembly, illustrated as a concealed hinge, having a hinge plate 18 with rod 20 and hinge plate support structure 22 (see FIG. 15B), to allow the gun vault top half 12 to traverse between a fully open position, i.e. having an orientation that is at or about 180 degrees, preferably at or about 90 degrees, from the gun vault bottom half 14, fully closed position, i.e. having an orientation that rests on top of the gun vault bottom half 14 or positions in between. Although a concealed hinge is illustrated, such embodiment is not intended to be limiting as use of a standard hinge can be incorporated as well.

As shown at FIGS. 4 and 15B, a first end 24 of the hinge plate 18 secures to a portion of the gun vault top half 12. The hinge plate 18 further contains a curved surface 26 creating a concave area 28 sized to traverse a portion of a wall of the gun vault bottom half 14 and a second end 30 which secures to a portion of the gun vault bottom half 14. The hinge assembly may be secured to the gun vault top half 12 or the gun vault bottom half 14 via a securing mechanism known to one of skill in the art including using known hardware such as screws, or more permanent means such as through the use of welding or applying chemical fastening substances.

The gun vault top half 12 comprises a first surface 32 which defines the outer top surface of the gun vault 10 and a second surface 34 which defines part of the boundary of the inner portion 16 and can be used to couple one or more components of hardware designed to provide functionality, such as a locking mechanism to the gun vault 10. A plurality of sidewalls 36, 38, 40 and 42 extend downwardly away from the surface 32 and interact with portions of the gun vault bottom half 14 to provide an enclosure. Both the gun vault top half 12 and the gun vault bottom half 14 may be made of any materials known to one of skill in the art, including plastics, metals, such as steel, or combinations thereof.

The gun vault bottom half 14 comprises a first surface 44 which defines the outer bottom surface of the gun vault 10 and a second surface 46 which defines part of the boundary of the inner portion 16 and can be used to couple one or more components of hardware designed to provide functionality, such as a locking mechanism to the gun vault 10. A plurality of sidewalls 48, 50, 52, and 54 extend upwardly away from the surface 46 when the bottom half first surface 44 is resting on a surface such as a floor or table. A left bottom half extension 56 and right bottom half extension 58, see FIGS. 16 and 17, are secured to portions of the sidewalls 48, 50, 52, and 54 through mechanical fasteners such as screws or other mechanisms, including for example, spot welding or chemical fastening substances, and form a lip 60 which runs along the perimeter of the gun vault bottom half 14. In the closed position, the sidewalls 36, 38, 40 and 42 secure over the lip ensuring a complete overlapping enclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 18, the gun vault with adjustable handle 10 includes a handle 62 which provide both a handle for allowing a user to grip and hold the gun vault 10, and to provide a mechanism to secure the gun vault 10 to a surface or structure. Accordingly, the handle 62 contains a first elongated member 64, a second elongated member 66 in a substantially parallel orientation with the first elongated member 64 and second elongated member 66 separated and connected by a base 68 which also functions as a grip for carrying the gun vault 10. As shown, base 68 contains curved surface 70 to provide generally U-shaped configuration; however such shape is illustrative only as the handle may assume other shapes. The handle 62 is designed to slidably engage with the gun vault bottom half 14, or alternatively with the gun vault top half 12. The slidable engagement provides for a handle that not only is removable, but can be variably positioned depending on the object or surface for which attachment may be desired.

Referring to FIG. 10, a front perspective view of the bottom portion 14 of the gun vault 10 is illustrated with the adjustable handle removed. The bottom portion 14 contains a plurality of openings 72 and 74 sized and shaped to receive both the first elongated member 64 and second elongated member 66 when inserted therein. Both openings 72 and 74 extend through the bottom portion 14, see FIG. 11, to provide access to the interior 16, see FIG. 12, illustrating the first and second elongated members inserted into the gun vault with the locking mechanism for the handle omitted for clarity. The openings 72 and 74 are separated by a space that corresponds to the distance 76 (see FIG. 18) between the first elongated member 64 and second elongated member 66 and by a raised lip 78 having substantially the same orientation of the base 68. The lip 78 includes a curved surface 79 having a degree of curvature the same as, or similar to the degree of curvature corresponding to the base curved surface 70 of the handle 62. The raised lip 78 provides a stop surface and allows the handle 62 to assume a flush orientation with the bottom portion 14 (see FIG. 2) when the handle 62 is fully inserted within the openings 72 and 74.

Secured to portions of the gun vault bottom half second surface 46 is one or more elongated handle brackets 80, see FIGS. 4, 19 and 20. The elongated brackets 80 have a first end 82, a second end 84, a main body 86, and a plurality of sidewalls 88 and 90 which position or raise the main body 86 above a surface. The elongated brackets 80 are designed to create an inner channel covering the first elongated member 64 or the second elongated member 66 of the handle when inserted therein. As such, each of the sidewalls 88 and 90 are set back from the first end 82 to provide an overhand, which is secured via fastening members such as screws or bonded such as through welding to a portion of a raised surface 92 within the gun vault bottom half second surface 46.

One end 94 of the walls 88 and 90 contains an angled or curved surface 96, which corresponds to an angled, or curved surface 96 associated with the raised surface 92. Sidewall 88 contains a plurality of tabs 98 which are sized and shaped to engage with a plurality of slots 100, see FIG. 11, located within the gun vault bottom half second surface 46. Sidewall 90 contains an elongated surface 102 secured, via fastening members such as screws or bonded such as through welding to a portion of a raised surface 92 to the gun vault bottom half second surface 46. A back wall 99 extends downwardly from the main body 86 and can be inserted into a second slotted opening 103 within the gun vault bottom half second surface 46 thereby forming a complete enclosure.

Opening 106, seen on FIG. 19, is sized and shaped to receive a handle member locking member, illustrated herein as a spring pin assembly 108. The spring pin assembly includes a spring pin assembly cover 110, see FIGS. 4, 13 and 21, a coil spring pin having a pin 112 with spring 114 secured to a bracket 116. Once the handle 62 is inserted into openings 72 and 74, depending on the positioning, at least one opening of the plurality of openings 118 located on the first elongated member aligns with the opening 106. Insertion of the pin 112 maintains the first elongated member 64 and therefore the handle 62 in the locked position. Since the gun vault 10 contains a second spring pin assembly 108 positioned on the opposite side, the second elongated member 66 is locked in the same position. The plurality of openings 118 allows the handle to slide to assume a plurality of positions, see FIGS. 1-3, which allows the gun vault 10 to be locked to a surface or object assuming different sizes and/or shapes. Once the pin 112 is placed in position and the top portion 12 is closed, it is nearly impossible to change the positioning of the handle without applying a force sufficient to break the handle. The pin 112 may contain a half ring 118 to aid in removal or placement.

The gun vault 10 preferably contains a locking assembly 120, see FIGS. 4 and 14 that allows the user to place the gun vault 10 in the closed position and prevent others from traversing to the open position. The locking assembly 120 is similar in function to traditional cam style locks. However, the locking assembly 120 provides for a three way locking mechanism. While a three point mechanism using flat surfaces for moving locking members in/out is illustrated, alternative mechanisms such as a two point locking mechanism using rods with rotational mechanisms to engage the locking members, or other mechanisms known to one of skill in the art may be used as well. The locking assembly 120 includes a base; illustrated herein as a tumbler lock 122, which has a cylindrical body 124 that is inserted within the gun vault upper portion 12, see FIGS. 1 and 22. Insertion of a key into a key receiving receptacle 126 and rotating results in a cylindrical pin 127 rotating as well. The cylindrical pin 127 is coupled to a cam surface 128 (see FIGS. 5 and 23) via an opening 130. As shown, the cam surface 128 contains three irregularly shaped slide channels 132, 134, and 136. Each channel couples to independent slides 138, 140, and 142 via screws 144, 146, and 148 (see FIG. 13).

Referring to FIG. 24, an illustrative slide 138 is shown. Each of the slides is identical, and therefore only slide 138 is described. However, such features are applicable to the other slides 140 and 142. The slide 138 secures to the screw 144 via opening 150 placed at a first end 152 of an elongated main body 154. An extension member 158 extends outwardly at the opposite end 156 and is arranged in a generally perpendicular orientation to the elongated main body 154. The extension member 158 contains a hooked portion 160 sized and shaped to engage a slotted region 162 of a locking assembly receiving bracket 164, see FIGS. 4, 5 and 25. The locking assembly receiving bracket 164 is secured to the walls of the lower portion 14 through tab 161 (which secures to a slotted region of the lower portion 14, not shown) and securing of wings 163 and 165. As such, there are three locking bracket assemblies 164 corresponding to each of the slides 138, 140, and 142.

Each of the slides 138, 140, and 142 are held in by guide bracket 166 and U-shaped bracket 168, see FIGS. 5, 13 and 26. A plurality of guide arms 170 on the guide bracket 166 prevents the slides 138, 140, and 142 from moving too far in a vertical direction. As such, as the pin 127 is turned (either clockwise or counterclockwise), slides 138, 140, and 142 move to provide a push/pull movement of the terminal end 171 of the hooked portion 160. The pushing/pulling movement results in the movement of the terminal end 170 of the hooked portion 160 into (locked position) or out of (unlocked position) the slotted regions 162 of each locking assembly bracket 164. Providing three locking points (two opposing locking points and a third locking point adjacent to the two opposing locking points) provides additional safety features for the gun vault 10, as prying apart the upper portion 12 and the lower portion 14 is difficult. In addition, the use of the elongated hinge provides an added safety feature, making entry into the gun vault 10 without a key nearly impossible unless the gun vault 10 is destroyed. A cover 172 covers the locking assembly 120, hiding all the internal components, see FIGS. 4 and 27.

Finally, to prevent the firearm from moving within the internal area 16, the gun vault 10 may further include gun securing member. The gun securing member may include a band or bracket to lock the gun in place. Alternatively or in addition to, the gun vault 10 may include an insert, such as a foam material insert 174, see FIG. 28, sized and shaped to fit within the area defined by elongated handle brackets 80 and the raised surface 92 for which the firearm can safely and securely rest there upon without moving. The insert may be made of a material that can prevent penetration and/or passage of a bullet there through. The gun vault 10 may include two inserts, above and below the gun.

Referring to FIG. 29, an alternative embodiment of the handle member is illustrated. In this embodiment the handle 62 contains a first elongated member 64, a second elongated member 66 in a substantially parallel orientation with the first elongated member 64 and second elongated member 66 separated and connected by a flexible base 69 which also functions as a grip for carrying the gun vault 10. As shown, the flexible base 69 is constructed from a flexible member such as a steel cable to provide generally U-shaped configuration; however such shape is illustrative only as the handle may assume other shapes. It should be noted that while the flexible base is illustrated herein as a steel cable other materials suitable for providing flexibility and sufficient resistance to cutting or breaking by force may be utilized without departing from the scope of the invention. The handle 62 is designed to slidably engage with the gun vault bottom half 14, or alternatively with the gun vault top half 12. The slidable engagement provides for a handle that not only is removable, but can be variably positioned depending on the object or surface for which attachment may be desired.

All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein.

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention, which are obvious to those skilled in the art, are intended to be within the scope of the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A gun vault comprising: a top member, including a top plate and a plurality of side surfaces to define an interior cavity; a bottom member, said bottom member including a top plate and a plurality of side surfaces to define an interior cavity, said top member and said bottom member being hingedly connected along one side for movement between an open position and a closed position; a lock assembly for selectively securing said top member to said bottom member; a handle member secured to either said top member or said bottom member whereby said gun vault and any contents within said interior cavity may be carried by grasping said handle member; said combined interior cavity of said top member and said bottom member being sized for containing a gun.
 2. The gun vault of claim 1 wherein said hinge is a concealed hinge, whereby no portion of said concealed hinge is visible from outside said gun vault while said gun vault is in a closed position.
 3. The gun vault of claim 2 wherein said concealed hinge includes a first hinge plate secured to an interior surface of said top member, a second hinge plate secured to an interior surface of said bottom member, one of said first or said second hinge plates including a curved portion, said curved portion extending away from said interior surface to create a concave area, said concave area sized to traverse around a perimeter surface of said top or said bottom member during opening of said gun vault.
 4. The gun vault of claim 2 wherein at least one extension member is secured to an inner surface of said plurality of side surfaces of either said top member or said bottom member, said at least one extension member extending above the perimeter of said plurality of side surfaces, said at least one extension member sized to extend into the opposite of said top or said bottom member to provide overlapping engagement while said gun vault is in a closed position.
 5. The gun vault of claim 4 including at least two of said extension members, whereby each said extension member extends partially around said perimeter of said inner surface of said plurality of side surfaces.
 6. The gun vault of claim 1 wherein a portion of said handle is disengageable from said gun vault and reattachable to said gun vault, whereby said handle may be secured around a fixed object.
 7. The gun vault of claim 6 wherein said handle includes a first elongated member, a second elongated member, said first elongated member oriented generally parallel to said second elongated member and connected with a base member to form U-shaped handle, said first and said second members securable to said top or said bottom member, said base member defining a hand grip.
 8. The gun vault of claim 7 wherein said first and said second elongated members slidably engage said top or said bottom member for securement thereto.
 9. The gun vault of claim 8 wherein each of said first and said second elongated members includes a plurality of apertures for variable positioning with respect to said top or said bottom member.
 10. The gun vault of claim 9 wherein said bottom member includes an opening for each of said first and said second elongated members, whereby a portion of each of said first and said second members is inserted into said interior cavity for securement to said bottom member.
 11. The gun vault of claim 10 wherein openings are separated by a raised lip, said raised lip including a surface shaped similarly to an inner surface of said base member, whereby said handle may assume a substantially flush orientation with a bottom surface of said bottom portion.
 12. The gun vault of claim 10 wherein an inner surface of said bottom member includes a pair of elongated handle brackets secured thereto, a first end of each said elongated handle bracket aligned with one of said openings for said first and said second elongated members, each said elongated handle bracket being constructed and arranged to form an inner channel for covering said first and said second elongated members when inserted into said bottom member.
 13. The gun vault of claim 12 including at least one locking member for securing said handle member in a desired position, said locking member extending through at least one of said elongated handle brackets and at least one of said apertures through said first and said second elongated member.
 14. The gun vault of claim 13 wherein said at least one locking member is removable and replaceable, whereby the locked position of said handle may be adjusted.
 15. The gun vault of claim 14 wherein said at least one locking member is a spring pin assembly.
 16. The gun vault of claim 15 including a spring pin assembly for each of said first and said second elongated members.
 17. The gun vault of claim 1 wherein said locking assembly includes a cam member having at least one slide channel for causing movement of at least one locking member during rotation thereof.
 18. The gun vault of claim 17 wherein said cam member includes two said slide channels each said slide channel cooperating with a separate locking member for causing movement of each said locking member.
 19. The gun vault of claim 17 wherein said cam member includes three said slide channels each said slide channel cooperating with a separate locking member for causing movement of each said locking member.
 20. The gun vault of claim 7 wherein said base member is flexible. 